Best Photography Locations in Spokane, WA for Stunning Photos in 2026
If you’re planning a portrait session, engagement shoot, family photo, or any kind of professional photography in Spokane, WA — you’re in luck. The Inland Northwest is absolutely packed with stunning backdrops that make for incredible images year-round. Whether you’re after lush greenery, dramatic architecture, golden fields, or rushing waterfalls, Spokane delivers.
At Squeeky Door Productions, we’ve shot all over the Spokane area and we know exactly where to take you for photos that genuinely wow. Here are our favorite photography locations in Spokane for 2026.
Riverfront Park — The Classic Spokane Backdrop
Riverfront Park is arguably the most iconic location in Spokane for photography. The park sits right along the Spokane River and offers an incredible variety of backdrops in one place — the historic Looff Carrousel, the pedestrian bridge over the falls, the gondolas, lush lawns, and of course the spectacular Spokane Falls themselves.
The falls are especially dramatic in spring when snowmelt swells the river, but they’re beautiful year-round. Golden hour here is absolutely magical — the warm light bouncing off the rushing water creates that warm, glowy look clients love.
Best for: Engagement photos, senior portraits, family sessions, editorial work.
Manito Park — Spokane’s Garden Paradise
Manito Park is a dream location for photographers and clients alike. The park features several distinct gardens — the Duncan Garden with its formal European layout, the Rose Hill with thousands of blooming roses in summer, the Japanese Garden with its serene pond and stone lanterns, and the Lilac Garden which is breathtaking every May.
Each garden offers a completely different aesthetic, meaning you can get wildly varied looks all within a short walk of each other. The Japanese Garden in particular is one of the most photographed spots in the entire Inland Northwest.
Best for: Engagement photos, senior portraits, wedding portraits, family sessions.
The Palouse — Rolling Hills That Don’t Look Real
About 45 minutes south of Spokane, the Palouse region is one of the most visually stunning landscapes in the entire United States. The rolling wheat fields create sweeping, wave-like hills that almost look painted — especially at golden hour when long shadows emphasize every contour.
For drone photography, landscape work, or truly epic engagement and elopement photos, the Palouse is unbeatable. Steptoe Butte State Park offers panoramic views of the hills that look almost surreal in the soft morning or evening light.
Best for: Elopement photos, engagement sessions, drone photography, landscape work.
Downtown Spokane — Urban Grit and Character
For clients who want something more urban and editorial, downtown Spokane is full of incredible textured backdrops. Think brick alleyways, industrial loading docks, bold murals, neon signs, glass skyscrapers, and the gorgeous Davenport Hotel exterior.
The area around Wall Street and Riverside Avenue offers especially photogenic architecture. The contrast of old brick buildings against modern glass creates a rich, layered look that’s perfect for fashion-forward senior portraits or edgy engagement sessions.
Best for: Senior portraits, urban engagement photos, brand photography, editorial work.
Dishman Hills Natural Area — Wild and Untamed
For something a little wilder, the Dishman Hills Natural Area on Spokane’s east side is a hidden gem. Rocky outcroppings, open meadows, ponderosa pine forests, and panoramic views of the city create a rugged, adventurous look that’s hard to replicate anywhere else in the area.
The golden meadow grass in late summer is especially beautiful for portraits, and the rocky hilltops catch incredible warm light at sunrise and sunset. It’s also a bit less crowded than the downtown parks, which means more privacy for your session.
Best for: Adventure engagement photos, outdoor family sessions, senior portraits with a wild edge.
Liberty Lake Regional Park — Water, Forests & Mountain Views
Liberty Lake, just east of Spokane, is one of those locations that feels like it belongs in a travel magazine. The lake itself is a gorgeous deep blue-green, surrounded by pine forest with the Selkirk Mountains as a backdrop. The shoreline offers both open sandy areas and wooded coves — great for varied looks within one session.
Early morning here is spectacular — the lake is often glassy calm, reflecting the surrounding trees and mountains. It’s one of our personal favorite spots for couples who want a more romantic, Pacific Northwest wilderness feel.
Best for: Engagement photos, family sessions, anniversary portraits, elopements.
Tips for Choosing the Right Location
Not sure which spot is right for your session? Here’s how we help clients decide:
Think about your personality. Are you outdoorsy and adventurous? Riverfront or Liberty Lake. Love flowers and romance? Manito Park. Want something moody and editorial? Downtown. Want something epic? The Palouse.
Consider the season. Some locations shine at specific times of year. Manito’s rose garden peaks in June and July. The Palouse is golden in late July and August. Riverfront Falls is most dramatic in April and May.
Don’t overthink the outfit. Once you pick a location vibe, coordinate your outfits to match. Flowing dresses and neutral tones work beautifully in natural settings. Bold colors and structured looks pop against urban backdrops.
Book early for popular spots. Manito Park and Riverfront especially fill up fast during spring and summer. If you have a specific date in mind, reach out sooner rather than later.
Ready to Book Your Spokane Photo Session?
At Squeeky Door Productions, we serve Spokane, the Palouse, Seattle, Idaho, Lake Geneva, Milwaukee, and the greater United States. We’d love to help you find the perfect location for your photos and create images that you’ll treasure forever.
Head to squeekydoorproductions.com to browse our photography packages and book your session today.
